Today you should read: 2 Chronicles 24
What a chapter! In this chapter of 2 Chronicles, we get an overview of Joash’s life & reign. A side-bar before we get going in it… His life was summarized by God in 1 chapter and most of the chapter was about how he led God’s people. Are we living our lives for us or for God? Our lives should be focused upward not inward.
But in this overview of his life we see some things we can learn:
Age Does Not Matter To God (v.1)
God can call anyone to make a difference. Joash was 7 years old when God placed him as King. God put great people around him like Jehoiada (the Chief Priest) to guide him and help him but have no doubt, Joash made a difference (v.4). Because of the investment he had in his life, he led up… he decided to restore the house of the Lord.
We see the same thing in 2 Timothy 4. Timothy was young but God was using him to make a difference. It does not matter what grade we are in, if we are in college if we are in adulthood… as we submit to God, God can use us to make a difference. Where has God given you influence with people? How can you lead out there?
HINT: We all have influence with people. The question is not IF we have influence but HOW are we influencing.
Our Faith Should Affect Our Giving (v.8-14)
Joash commanded that a chest be made so people could bring offerings to restore the house of the Lord. God did not need some luxurious place to dwell. That is not what this was about. This offering was about faith and worship. God doesn’t want our wallets, he wants our hearts. He already owns everything. Everything is His. But make no mistake, our hearts talk with our wallets. We give to what we believe in. What does your giving say about your faith?
Who You Surround Yourself With Matters (v.17-22)
The Chief Priest, and Joash’s Chief Advisor, has died. Joash did not surround himself with more Godly counsel. Princes from Judah came and led him with evil counsel. We too need people in our lives that guide us toward God and His Character. This is why discipleship and good counsel is SO important. Who are you surrounding yourself with?
Leaders Are Always Remembered By How They Finish NOT How They Start (v.23-27)
Joash has been killed and they honored him, but not as they would have. He did not bury him among the kings like they did Jehoiada. There are not many things more important in leadership than finishing well. It is what people remember. You can have a shaky start if you finish strong. Are you the kind of leader that finishes strong or weak? Why?
Well, that is 2 Chronicles 24! How did God speak to your heart through His Word? What is God asking you to do as a result of the truth of His Word?
By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate – College
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Accounts like these and similar ones throughout the Bible remind me how easy it is to be distracted away from the Lord our God. Every minute should be spent with our spiritual eyes open and our senses constantly aware of what is happening around us. Everything should be filtered through our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit and His ever-present guidance!